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OISSS > For International Students > J-1 > Extension of Stay & Change of Academic Level

J-1
Extension of Stay and Change of Academic Level

J-1 students who have not finished their program of studies by the completion date marked at item number 3 on the DS-2019 form must request an extension of stay from their program sponsor (listed at item number 2 on the DS-2019 form). It is important to check your form I-94 (the admission-departure card given to you by DHS when you entered the U.S. and usually stapled into your passport) to see whether DHS indicated "D/S" or a specific expiration date on the card. Most forms I-94 are now showing "D/S" (duration of status) rather than a specific expiration date. D/S represents the validity date at item number 3 on the DS-2019 form.

If your I-94 is marked "D/S", an extension of stay may be granted by an advisor in the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. The Advisor notifies the Department of State with a new DS-2019 form that you have continually maintained status and that the extension is required in order to complete the current academic program or to change the level of the program (for example, from Master's to Ph.D. level). Failure to apply for an extension of stay prior to the completion date on the DS-2019 will result in your falling out of status, suspension of employment and payroll.

To Apply for Program Extension

1. Download the Academic Adviser's Recommendation Form or pick it up at the Office of International Student and Scholar Services and fill out the top portion yourself. Ask your Academic Adviser to complete and sign the form.
2. Prepare documentation of your financial support for the remaining period of time you need to complete your studies. If you have family members living with you in Chapel Hill, you must provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to support them as well.

Bring these documents to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services prior to the completion date at Item number 3 on the DS-2019. It is your responsibility to keep track of this completion date. Students who do not file for extension of stay in time will be considered to be out of status and will not be able to work. Please note that if there are family members who have a J-2 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), it is wise to apply for extension of stay several months before your DS-2019 expires, because it is currently taking USCIS 3-4 months to renew the EAD. The J-2 visa holder may not work without a valid EAD.

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services will issue a new DS-2019 form with a new expiration date. You will need to sign the new DS-2019 after it is issued. before the extension of stay can be processed and completed. The Office of International Student and Scholar Services will notify the Department of State of the extension with page 2 of the new DS-2019 form and will give you page 3 (the pink copy) of the new DS-2019.

If your I-94 has a specific expiration date indicated, you must apply for an extension of stay with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. Please contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services at least 4 months before the expiration date for forms and procedures for applying to the USCIS for extension of stay and conversion to D/S.

NOTE: If you have applied for and received a waiver of the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement, you are not eligible for extension of your J-1 visa status.